James Paul Gorham, 65, of Excelsior Springs, Mo., passed away at Liberty Hospital on January 14, 2021, due to complications of Covid 19.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Debra Gorham; daughter, Jessica Gorham; son, Daniel Gorham; his brother, Rodney Gorham; his sister, Alicia Essig; and seven grandchildren.
His parents, Paul and Era Jean Gorham, preceded him in death.
In 1975, James married the love of his life, Debbie. Together they loved competing on the softball field, playing cards with friends, and eating out at restaurants.
James Paul retired from Hallmark Cards after 39.5 years of service. In his time spent working at Hallmark, he developed many everlasting friendships and cherished memories.
James never met a stranger. His smile was contagious, his hugs were the best, and his words always genuine. He was the kindest man and loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He loved sitting on the sidelines at sporting events, especially watching his daughter play/coach softball and his son play soccer. He had a passion for music and attending concerts as well as BBQ festivals and any other adventure his family and friends asked him to go on.
The love of his grandchildren was indescribable. Papa enjoyed spending his time playing games with them and loved watching them grow.
He will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs, Mo. Pastor Ralph Morris will be officiating. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcomed. Donations should be made to the family.
The family would like to share a special thanks to the staff at Liberty Hospital for the care of our loving father/husband as well as all patients battling Covid 19.
Our Sincere Condolences
So sorry for you loss. I did not have your phone number but Sherry and Juanita have keep me up to date. He will be greatly missed as he was a good person and a friend to all. Love you and call anytime.
Kathy
Coach Gorham and family, sending our prayers that God will give you the strength and peace at this time. Loved talking with your Dad at the lady jay games, will truly miss him.
Sincerely, Larry and Connie Terrill
Jess & Family-
I am so sorry for your loss. Your dad was such an awesome guy! I loved seeing your parents come to ballgames to watch the team. Having them there for some of our biggest victories was so special. I know how much he loved being a part of your life as a player or coach. He had such a love of the game, competition, and family. I know it doesn’t seem real right now, this happened so fast. I pray for your family through this process and in the days to come. Love you.
Kathyrn Taylor
Jess,
You and your family will remain in our steadfast prayers. Lift your pain to the Lord and he will provide you comfort and peace beyond understanding. Our family LOVES you. You will remain a legacy for your father, you encompass so many of his wonderful characteristics. He was so proud of you and it was truly wonderful to see. We are so glad that we were blessed to know him. We all Love you dearly.
Sandy, Jody, Kaylah and Baylee Cottengim
Debbie and family, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jim received his wings way to soon.
Dixie Rex
Debbie I’m so sorry for your loss Prayers and thoughts for you.
Beverly Spencer
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, such a special person.
Sally Smith
It is with a heavy heart I offer our condolences to Debbie and family. Jim was one of those unique people that made an immediate impression and never knew a stranger. His family was his rock and he loved you all very deeply. He made Hallmark a better place to work every day for everyone around him. May your memories comfort you in the days ahead. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Pam and Greg Bullock
Debbie and family, so very sorry for all of you. I enjoyed working with Big Jim a lot of years at Hallmark. He always made the days brighter. Definately one of the best people I’ve ever known. He won my ever lasting admiration at the way he treated my brother “Bobo”, with respect. Bobo thought the world of him.
Leisa McAfee Cook
Debbie and family, I am so saddened to learn about Jim’s passing. As you remember Debbie, we always had such fun during our Hallmark softball years. Your Hallmark family will always remember Jim as the hard working, sweet natured guy he was. May God’s promises help get you through these times.
Jean “Bean” McWilliams
Debbie and family I’m so sorry for your loss. Jim was a sweetheart. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie you need something please call or let me know. Take care my friend.
Doreena Jackson
Debbie and family, It broke my heart to hear of James Paul passing, will miss running into you and getting a big hug from him Known him for a long time, Since grade school at Camden. Prayers to you and your family and you will be in our prayers and thoughts tomorrow.
Davona Blyth
Debbie and family,
I was saddened to hear of James Paul’s passing. I fondly remember playing softball with him back in Orrick years ago. James was such a good man. He was always positive, friendly, and kind-hearted. I wanted to offer my sincere condolences for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike Smith
Debbie and family so sorry for your loss. I worked with Jim at Liberty Hallmark. It was a great guy, always a smile! Enjoyed talking sports with him. I will miss him.
Cherry A Wright
Jess – We are so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Please know that all your Springfield Thunder teammates love you and are sending you a big group hug!
Shelley Evans
Prayers for John Paul’s family. Hope your memories of him will bring you some comfort in this sad time. Our thoughts will be with you.
Vernon and Melinda Smithey
Condolences. Janice Griffith
So sorry for your loss. Jim was a great person.
God Bless, Sherry (Thomas) Gilbert
